I don’t often get the chance to have solo meals in Paris but, when I do, relish them. For me, the theatre of a restaurant is huge part of my enjoyment and when alone I don’t retreat into my own little world with a book or iPad but instead focus on the theatre, eavesdrop, flirt with the staff, etc.
I get the impression that tourists tend to be tied to the quartier where they are staying. I have no hesitation to hop in a taxi/ uber, bus, or on a bike to go anywhere in Paris… rarely the joyless and mood-dampening métro. Using a restaurant as the hook to explore this or that quartier is a another bonus.
Some good restaurants that I like for the vibe and the food and would probably enjoy solo: Lolo (wine bar with food near Notre-Dame-de-Lorette in the 9th ( http://lolocaveamanger.fr/ ); newish Chocho (à la carte or tasting menu) on rue Paradis in the 10th ( https://chocho.becsparisiens.fr/ ); newish and a real undiscovered gem Flocon on the otherwise touristy rue Mouffetard in the 5th ( http://restaurantflocon.com/ ); Pouliche (fab cheffe Amadine Chaignot) on rue d’Engien on the fringes of the trendy but occasionally messy Faubourg St Denis quartier in the 10th ( https://poulicheparis.com/ ); Aux Crus de Bourgogne (one of the few trad restos not full of old fogeys and tourists) on rue Bachaumont in the increasingly trendy Sentier quartier in the 2nd ( http://www.auxcrusdebourgogne.com/ ); Coretta on rue Cardinet in one of my favourite quartiers, Les Batignolles. in the 17th (https://www.restaurantcoretta.com/ ); any of the Nouvelle Garde Groupe’s “new” old brasseries (Bellanger in the 10th, Duvivier in the 2nd, and Martin in the 11th for the fun vibe rather than the usual brasserie fare… good and authentic but still typical brasserie nosh ( https://nouvellegardegroupe.com/ ); O’Bergine for sometimes Frenchified Lebanese cuisine and a delightful fun ambiance on rue Tiquetonne in the Montorgueil quartier… not a one size-fits all and maybe not the place for old fogeys ( https://www.obergineparis.com/ ); Le Grand Véfour in the arcades of the Palais Royal because it is such a historic place and I can commune with the spirits of Colette and Cocteau ( http://www.grand-vefour.com/ ); Garçon ! on rue Cherche-Midi just because I like the vibe( http://www.garcon-cafe.com/ )
A more reluctant recommendation. I recently had a sort of “last supper” (before flying off to the UAE for 6-week work project) at the very new Restaurant Omar Dhiab near the Place des Victoires. Very impressive modern French verging on gastro-art. Great hospitality and a rather sparkling clientele. Solo diner next to our table seemed to be enjoying herself immensely. But because I have only had one experience here when the restaurant was very new and still in festive mode, my recommendation is reluctant. I have no idea if non-French speakers will enjoy it as much as I did or how the cuisine and service will evolve after the festive mood has worn off. But from my one experience, I predict a Michelin star in the very near future. https://omardhiab.com/
I have lots more suggestions and will perhaps add them when I have the time.
